“The crown of the aged is their children’s children….” – Proverbs 17:6
“Love multiplies. It doesn’t divide.” – Dr. Ray Guarendi
Review and Comments:
Dr. Ray’s book, Being a Grandparent, is a wonderful resource for those who are seeking advice and direction while adapting to the role of being a grandparent. It’s also a good choice for anyone who just wants to see if they are “on the right track.” Dr. Ray addresses many issues and recommends very practical solutions along with considerable wisdom and a good bit of humor.
I think most people will agree that being a grandparent is a huge blessing! That doesn’t mean the road is always smooth, however. Problems arise, goals differ, and personalities and egos clash. This book is organized into short chapters – each one addressing a concern from differing viewpoints. Dr. Ray then skillfully addresses each concern. He poses thoughtful questions, makes astute statements, and sometimes gives examples from his own family.
“The role of being a parent is a forever job,” but that parenthood role evolves when one becomes a grandparent. Communication with children, who are now parents, requires a different style of dialogue that is filled with respect and a lot of self-control! After all, “the intention is to seek to understand, not necessarily to alter.” Grandparents’ ever-expanding love and wisdom acquired from life experiences will certainly help them recognize “what they can do” to reach solutions.
Dr. Ray’s advice is obviously meant for grandparents, but parents would also benefit from this input. His guidance offers an opportunity for discussion and problem solving within a family. And it’s a potential lesson or prequel for parents who will most likely become grandparents themselves one day. More than a few accurate statements in this book struck me more as a parent than a grandparent:
- “The question is not: What harm will it do? The question is: What good will it do?”
- “Parenting is not poll driven.”
- “With each child there is more fun, not less; more joy, not less; more love, not less.”
I was given this book by Franciscan Media in exchange for an honest review.
Attention, Grandparents. It’s a very good book whether you are having issues or not.
Catholic Resources
Patron Saints:
Saints Ann and Joachim are the patron saints of grandparents. Their feast day is July 26. Their symbols are: two white doves, meeting at the golden gate, or teaching the Virgin Mary.
- Prayer: “O blessed couple, all the world is indebted to you, for it is by your means that it can offer to its Creator the most excellent gift possible, her who is worthy to be Mother of His only Son.” – St. John Damascene
- Novena to Saints Ann and Joachim https://novena.com/2017/07/14/saints-ann-and-joachim-patron-saints-of-grandparents/
Blessing of Grandparents, from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, includes a blessing, scripture reading, and intercessory prayer, http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/blessing-of-grandparents.cfm
Bible verses for grandparents:
- Isaiah 46:4-5 – Even to your old age I am he, even when your hair is gray I will carry you; I have done this, and I will lift you up, I will carry you to safety.
- Psalm 92:14 – They shall bear fruit even in old age they will stay fresh and green,
- Psalm 103:17-18 – But the Lord’s mercy is from age to age, toward those who fear him. His salvation is for the children’t children of those who keep his covenant, and remember to carry out his precepts.